An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
